BOB Revolution Flex Duallie Review

Revolution Flex Duallie 2.0 vs. Revolution Flex Duallies 3.0

The new Revolution has much in common with the 2.0 version and if the Duallie follows the same pattern as the single 3.0 there isn't much difference and if you can score the 2.0 for less money we don't think you'll be sacrificing much. Some changes include increased storage, magnet closure on the peek-a-boo window cover, and a roomier seat. We've purchased and are testing the new 3.0 and will have more information soon. In the meantime you can compare the 2.0 (left) with the 3.0 (right) below.

Hands-on Gear Review

The Beast of Burden Company (aka.BOB), was started in 1994 by Roger Malinowski and Philip Novotny. Located in San Luis Obispo, California, the company built Yak bike trailers. The partners, a bicycle professional and airline mechanic, discovered a need for rugged jogging stroller after having babies of their own. The two advance the stroller's design over time, and are the first to include a locking swivel wheel in 2005. This alteration created a user-friendly, versatile stroller for jogging and other activities. Britax acquired BOB in 2011.

Performance Comparison

Ease of Use

The BOB offers features that are easier to use than most of the competition.

Fold and Unfold

The BOB is a two-hand fold with a manual lock that does not self-stand and has no carry handle or strap. It folds in 4-6 steps that are easy to manage. The most difficult part of the fold comes after the fold when you have to lift it to move it. The thick fold means it is harder to wiggle into tight spaces, and it might prohibit it from public transport. The unfolding is just as easy as the folding, it can be performed in 2-3 steps, and isn't a strain. You can do it with 1 or 2 hands depending on your skills.

Brakes

The brakes are single action with a long bar that goes across the back. The pedal is plastic, large, with easy access, and is sandal foot-friendly, and easy to set. Releasing the brakes is easier, and there is no chance of thinking the brakes are engaged if they are not.

Storage

The storage is a large under seat bin that is easy to access from the back and sides. It fits our large diaper bag with supplies for two, but it is a little hard to get it in given the back strap. There is room to spare for other items, and the bin can still be accessed with the seats fully reclined.

The BOB also has large stow pockets on the backs of the seats. These pockets are good for items like phones and wallets, but they can be hard to reach with the seats reclined. The BOB offers two mesh stow pockets for each passenger. The pockets are large enough to hold a sippy cup or favorite toy and can be reached with the passenger buckled in and reclined.

Sunshade

The dual canopies are very large and move independently for individual passenger comfort. They are the same canvas material as the rest of the stroller and are water-resistant. Each has a large vinyl peek-a-boo window with hook and loop closures. The window cover rolls up and can be secured to keep constant visual contact. The canopy extends past the knees of most passengers offering superior sun protection.

The photos above show the BOB with the seatbacks upright and canopies closed (left) and the seatbacks fully reclined with the canopies fully extended (right).

Harness

The BOB has a 5-point harness for each seat that has an adjustable crotch strap and five shoulder height adjustment. The harness is easy to adjust at all points, easy to put on, and easy to take off. The buckle can be released using just one hand. The adjustment points and buckles are clear of fabrics and are easy to access. The harness has padded shoulder straps for additional comfort.

Seat

There is no adjustable leg rest, but it offers a padded leg rest with ample legroom for both passengers and a relatively large footrest. There is a strap on the transition point from seat bottom to leg rest that is rough and could potentially rub on sensitive skin. Each seat back can recline independently allowing for personal comfort. The recline works with a strap on the back of the seat that isn't super easy, but with two hands it can happen fairly quickly.

Car Seat Compatibility

The BOB can accept one infant car seat. The adapter is a frame style, does not need assembly, and the canopy can stay. It is compatible with BOB and Britax seats, and some Graco, Chicco and Peg Perego options. We tested the Revolution with the Britax B-Safe 35, Chicco Keyfit 30, Graco Click Connect, and the Peg Perego Primo Viaggio 4-35. All of the seats click onto the adapter and require the second step of attaching a strap. We fear some parents will forget or intentionally choose not to use the strap leaving baby open to potential injury. The Primo Viaggio did score slightly higher than the others.

Ease of Setup

The BOB is easy to set up and took us just over 6 minutes to assemble. The manual is clear with good pictures where relevant. There is only one language per manual, which is nice. The assembly is quick and requires no tools. We like the new quick-release change to the rear wheels over the previous version's release.

It took us longer to get it out of the box and read the instructions than it did to assemble, and we caution that it is heavy and difficult to get out of the box with only one person.

Maneuverability

Nothing maneuvers like a BOB, and this option proves that even a double side-by-side stroller can be easy to move in tight spaces over various terrain.

Maneuvering on hard surfaces is a breeze with its three-wheel design and pneumatic tires, it can turn on a dime and take tight corners without preparation. While the side-by-side wider footprint can make navigation tricky, the one front wheel helps offset this by being easier to get into spaces without catching wheels on baseboards or chair legs. The width makes it trickier to get through the narrower doorways you might find in a public restroom, but it is still better than really long inline models.

The wheels on the BOB are larger than most, and its trike design and rubber tires give it an edge for all terrains. Going up curbs is also easier given the larger size of the back wheels and the placement of the brake bar.

Weight and Folded Size

The Revolution is heavier than average and is a cumbersome folded package. The BOB weighs just over 34 lbs, while the average is closer to 32.2 lbs. The heaviest stroller is close to 40 lbs.

The BOB's folded measurements come to 22,507 cubic inches. The BOB is not compact, but it is shorter than some, and you can remove the wheels to make it somewhat smaller. It may not fit in a standard trunk with wheels on, and you might have to secure the trunk lid closed if it sits strangely inside.

Quality

The BOB offers impressive quality, though not the highest in the group.

BOB uses Poly and Dobby weave fabrics that have a water-repellent coating and include open-cell foam padding. The material appears durable, snag-resistant and sewn nicely to the frame. The seat padding is thermo-molded, and portions of the seat and canopy have reflective accents. The footrest seems thicker and tougher than the material on the rest of the product. The fabric is spill-resistant and can be spot cleaned.

The frame on the Revolution is powder-coated Chromoly and aluminum. It has tight connection joints, and there is no flex in the frame when pushing. The frame is relatively lightweight but manages to maintain a substantial feel.

The BOB has high-impact polymer composite wheels with pneumatic tires. The back wheels are 16 inches, and the front is 12 ½ inches. The tires have tubes that are pneumatic with Schrader valves, and easy to replace with quick-release design.

The BOB has a nice sized handlebar that is easy to grip. It offers firm, comfortable foam padding and the bar extends straight across the back of the frame; it might be better with a more ergonomic design. The handlebar is adjustable on a pivot point with one of the widest ranges. This product also comes with a safety strap to ensure the stroller never gets away from the pusher.

The Revolution has a nice fit and finish. Everything looks designed with performance and function in mind. There are no rough edges or poor stitching, and while it feels industrial, it gives the impression that it gets the job done and will for years to come.

The BOB seats and harness are nicely padded, and the suspension offers coil spring and elastomer core shock absorbers. The shock release knobs have two positions with a position for weight between 1-50 pounds and a second position for 50-100 pounds.

Twins

The BOB is not the best stroller for twins. The BOB only accepts one infant car seat. More importantly, you can't use the regular seats until the baby is at least six months old or has adequate head control. Jogging is also ill-advised until your baby is at least 8-12 months according to the manufacturer's manual, and we suggest you speak with your baby's pediatrician before taking off. These issues make the BOB a better choice for families with children of different ages, or who are already old enough to sit upright without assistance.

Accessories

• The BOB Duallie Parent Console gives parents a cup holder and a handy place to keep quick access items like phones and keys.

• The BOB Child Accessory Tray gives little ones somewhere to keep snacks and cups. While some reviewers say it is too far away from passengers to use, we think it can still be useful with children in the upright position.

Manufacturer Video